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In one of our classroom visits, a teacher shared a familiar story.
"We were doing group work," she said, "but half the students were frozen. No one wanted to speak first, and even when they did, the energy just wasn't there."
It's something we've heard more and more. Post-pandemic, students are showing higher levels of social anxiety and disengagement, especially when it comes to speaking or taking risks in front of peers.
And it makes sense. After years of social distancing and isolation, kids are still relearning how to connect.
One powerful way to rebuild that confidence? Improv.
Improv games offer a low-pressure, highly adaptable way to rebuild communication and confidence, allowing students to participate with more ease. Let's take a closer look at ways to make improv work for your classroom!
#366: Building Trust, One Marble at a Time with Craig Randall
As a teacher, have you ever felt that formal observations and feedback sessions are anxiety-inducing and leave you undervalued?
This episode features Craig Randall, creator of the Trust-Based Observations — a groundbreaking model that switches traditional evaluation into a strengths-based, relational process that builds psychological safety and encourages real professional growth instead of compliance.
This one's packed with heart and practical gold.
Don't miss this episode and give yourself a powerful new lens for building relational trust!
Visit this page to explore Craig's work!
Daily Mission Cards
Did you know that some students go through the entire school day without speaking to anyone outside their immediate friend group? Not because they're unfriendly, but because they aren’t given natural, low-pressure opportunities to reach out.
Today’s Daily Mission Card is the best for this: “Give someone you don’t know a compliment that will brighten their day.”
It seems simple, but one kind moment can nudge a student out of their shell. Tiny acts of courage, like complimenting a classmate you’ve never spoken to, lay the groundwork for a stronger classroom culture.
Start today with this mission and grab the Kindness & Happiness Mission Deck to keep that momentum alive all week long!
Team Building Towers (Working with Others)
When trust is low in your classroom, students hold back from speaking up and taking creative risks. They hesitate to share ideas, fear failure, and avoid group work altogether.
Team Building Towers is a low-stakes game that builds trust through shared effort and laughter. Armed with nothing but plastic cups and a few straws, students work in small groups to build the tallest tower they can.
In just five minutes, you’ll watch walls come down:
- The quiet student enjoys company
- The jokester starts listening
- Ideas are challenged and improved, not dismissed
Sort through the 1,000+ games on the JugarLife website for more activities that build classroom community in under 10 minutes!
The Five C’s for Building Confidence with Dale Hancock
We assume that if we cover all the right subjects, students will be ready for the world. But what happens when they get hit by real life, unexpected setbacks, social pressure, or rejection, and they crumble because no one taught them how to stand back up?
This is the gap Dale Hancock is on a mission to close.
A teacher turned international speaker, Dale knows what happens when students lack confidence.
This course is for you if you want to:
- Help students face challenges without fear of failure
- Equip them with tools to manage anxiety and setbacks
- Cultivate confidence that lasts beyond the classroom
Rich with personal stories and a passion you can feel, Dale's approach has reached students, teachers, and elite athletes across the world.
Watch this webinar and boost your students' confidence for life!
Ignite Week Sparks Connection at Cheltenham Secondary
We had the pleasure of returning to Cheltenham Secondary College to work with all Year 9 students during their Ignite Week. Over 130 students bravely stepped into playful, connection-focused challenges that encouraged them to open up and build stronger peer relationships. The energy and reflective moments were powerful to witness.
Big thanks to the Cheltenham community for once again welcoming us into your space, always a highlight on our calendar.
Join us on this global journey of joy and connection! If you want to bring The School of Play to your community, fill out the form here ➡
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